Thursday 23 May 2013

The Smile Returned.

I had waited for that day.  Longed for that wonderful.day.  A day to fill my heart with joy, with relief.  The day the smile returned to my son's face.  That beaming smile of yesteryear.   The smile he once had that dazzles in the photo of my son.

It's been a time of learning.  Character defining through the tears, the pain, the desperation, the anguish.  I'm not a well man and when I saw my son plunged into the depths of despair, my sensitivity was acutely aware of the sadness.  Through his torment, I relived my own past torment.  I saw a reflection of a past self and I was sick with the burden of worry.

I have raised my son as a single father.  A single father busy being mentally ill and busy trying to provide a safe, loving environment for him.  A balancing act where the support we received was from beyond the screen.  And the calls to my family and friends.  Sadly, his mother would not understand and has stayed very much in the background.  Instead of a unified cause for the love of our son, my former spouse has never got involved.  The impact of this, profound and painful.  My son yearned for the love of his mother.

My blog, silly, surreal, serious.  The transparency I share with you is therapy.  Through the turmoil in my life, my son's life, it has been a tremendous struggle to write, to interact.  The distraction of his pain, the lack of a smile, has consumed every fibre of my being.  Many a time, I would have to stop writing just to comfort him through the latest crisis.

My son is now a young man of twenty four.  For the last six years, his employment opportunities have been limited.  Short term work and job agencies that would exploit.  He tried to get work.  Oh how he tried.  He became so disillusioned that many a day he would spend just sleeping.  I was scared, so very scared.  I would make an excuse to talk to him.  I wanted to know he was still alive.  Yes, the relentless onslaught of an indifferent world was taking its toll on his spirit.  The world was grinding him down.  He craved independence, to move on, to start his own life.  And here he was, trapped.   It was embarrassing to rely on dad all the time.

My son, Tristan, as of three months ago, finally got some full-time work.  It's mundane and does not utilise his civil engineering skills.  However, it has provided him with some cash flow and it gets him out of the house.  During all of this, he has been pursuing a career in the British Navy.  It's a long drawn-out process.  He's been totally focused on the Navy as being a good career move where he can use his skills that have gone to waste.

About two months ago, he went for his medical assessment with the Navy.  There were concerns that his blood pressure reading was too high.  This halted his ongoing career move pending further monitoring.  He was most distraught over this.  Yet, so focused, so determined was he that Tristan went on a strict diet and exercise regime.

My son went to his doctor and the doctor checked his blood pressure which was perfectly normal.  However, the Navy would not just accept a letter from his doctor.  This meant he had to go on a twenty four hour blood pressure monitoring machine.

On Tuesday afternoon, I took him to the doctors to get hooked up to the machine.  He then spent the next twenty fours being monitored by the machine in our home.  Wednesday afternoon and we went back to the doctors.  I sat in my car and waited for him to come back outside.

And there he was.  My son, triumphantly waving the printout from the monitoring.  "Dad!  My blood pressure results are just fine and the Navy will get my results.  Yes! Yes! Yes!"   Oh how I waited for the day that the smile returned to my son's face.  Wednesday was that day.  And now I smile at the thought of that beaming smile.  A smile that transported me back to yesteryear and the little boy in the photo.  I never stopped believing and now it has become true.

112 comments:

  1. I love this! Wonderful news and I'm so happy for you and your son! May this be the beginning for a brighter future for the both of you! (((HUGS)))

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    1. Hi Elise,

      I thank you for your wonderful comment. I visualised that day, kept believing and yes, I see a brighter future for him and thus for me.

      A peaceful weekend to you, Elise.

      Hugs,

      Gary :)

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  2. Nothing, absolutely nothing, worse than the fear, sadness or anxiety of your child--and that doesn't change with age. And nothing more a balm for our hearts than when we see them smile and at peace. Prayers and positive thoughts to both of you.

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    1. Hi Julie,

      Oh yes, when they hurt, we hurt. Sometimes we have a sense of being helpless. No matter how old our children, they will always be our little angels. Now, the gift of a smile that had been dreamt about. Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts.

      A peaceful long weekend to you,

      Gary :)

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  3. I read this with tears in my eyes Gary, you have done him and yourself proud. I wish him Good luck in the navy. You're a wonderful man and father.
    Yvonne.

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    1. Hi Yvonne,

      Dear lady, your words are touching and poignant. In the face of adversity, I gained strength and belief that all would be just fine. And now we wait for the next phase of his enlistment in the Royal Navy. I'm grateful for your words.

      A peaceful Spring Bank holiday to you.

      Gary :)

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  4. THIS is a fantastic post. Thanks for sharing it and BIG CONGRATS to you both. Very very very flippin' cool.

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    1. Hi The Happy Whisk,

      That is very kind of you to say. It has been something I've been waiting to share for many a year. And finally that day arrived. Very flippin' cool, indeed! :)

      Thank you, my friend.

      A happy long weekend to you.

      Gary :)

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  5. Congratulations are in order for your son. Please pass them along to him.

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    1. Hi Dizzy-Dick,

      Kind sir, your congratulations have been forwarded. We both thank you. You're a good man.

      Wishing you a peaceful long weekend.

      Gary

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  6. Awesome indeed
    That his smile is back at your feed
    Now the navy
    Will so lines that aren't wavy
    All in the right spot
    Thanks to a medical robot

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    1. Hi Pat,

      The smile returned
      Lesson learned
      Out to sea
      With the British Navy
      Such a machine
      That continues the dream

      A peaceful weekend to you
      And all your crew

      Gary

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  7. I'm so happy for both of you! You are extremely caring and loving, Gary. My best for you and your son and may you both smile a lot. :)

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    1. Hi Laura,

      Your happy thoughts are warmly embraced, dear friend. I continue to do my utmost to create a peaceful environment for my son and yep, Penny the wonder dog. Three smiles, your way.

      A peaceful long weekend to you.

      Gary :)

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  8. This is beyond wonderful. I am so happy for you both. And I hope the smiles only get bigger for you both. WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL.

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    1. Hi Elephant's Child,

      Your wonderful comment goes beyond wonderful :) We are going to try and outdo the legendary Cheshire cat :)

      A happy remainder of the weekend to you.

      Gary :)

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  9. Wonderful picture. Fantastic story. So glad the smile returned. As a parent (and grandparent) I can most definitely relate. Nothing hurts worse than the hurt of one's child. May the smile last forever.

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    1. Hi Jeff,

      I thank you, kind sir. Yes, the pain we feel for our children, our grandchildren, can be so very intense. May we all face the future with a determined, beaming smile.

      A peaceful long weekend to you and your loved ones, Jeff.

      Gary :)

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  10. It is lovely to know that you and Tristan have a good genuine reason to smile. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is a special feeling. Enduring the struggles and the pain that shape one's life and sharing them with the world are acts of courage, my friend. I admire you. Peace and love to both of you.

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    1. Hi Julia,

      The smile of my little boy, now a young man, was a long time in coming. I believed in the light at the end of the tunnel and my son's determination to not let circumstances overwhelm, has inspired. Dear friend, I know you will understand that through acts of transparency, we not only sense therapy for our selves, but for others.

      Peace, love and positive thoughts on this long weekend.

      Gary :)

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  11. I can't tell you just how happy I am to read this, Gary! I'm positively tingling all over at how happy you must be right now! Though you have both lived through much heartbreak and desperately trying times, Tristan has triumphed - in no small part down to you for your undying love and support.

    Very big (hug)!!!

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    1. Hi Wendy,

      Thank you so much for sensing my happiness for Tristan. Yes, these have been some of the toughest times of our lives. Tristan, has been up against one barrier after another. Through it all, he managed to keep his head raised high and the smile that I had longed for, returned. I have gathered much strength through my ongoing love and encouragement to my son. And thanks to dear folks like you, I carry on and embrace all smiles.

      A very big hug to you, Wendy.

      Gary :)

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  12. Oh thank goodness...both because it means he is clear for the Navy and because it means he doesn't have a health problem. I think being tested for high blood pressure automatically shoots your blood pressure up. My doctor always takes mine twice...once at the beginning of the consultation and once at the end. The first reading is always high..the second normal. I'm so glad he is feeling a little happier now (and you as well). Fingers crossed that everything works out as planned.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Thank you, Delores. I didn't really think there was cause for concern. Like you note, it's only natural that your blood pressure would rise during stressful situations. It seemed that during his Navy medical that there was a fluctuation that caused them concern. He had to go through a lot of extra hassle because of it. You can certainly relate to the doctor taking your blood pressure readings.

      Oh yes, he's happier and thus, so am I.

      A peaceful Sunday to you.

      Gary :)

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  13. What great news!!! I'm so glad that he can continue pursuing his dream. Sorry about his mom though. I worked in family law from 1990 to 2011 and I saw a gradual change from absentee and disinterested fathers to a shift towards mothers that wanted no responsibilities to their offspring.

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    1. Hi JoJo,

      Thank you, my friend. I see from what you note that I'm far from being in a unique situation. You hear, all too often, about absentee fathers. As you know, that certainly isn't always the way. My ex has gotten on with her new life, but at such a cost.

      A peaceful Sunday to you.

      Gary :)

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  14. That is awesome news!
    Gary, through all of it your son has clung to a dream, and he wouldn't have done that without a loving, caring father pushing him forward.
    Celebrations are in order!!

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    1. Hi Alex,

      Thank you, kind sir.

      Indeed, I have told him to pursue his dream and that all is going to be just fine. Support, love and encouragement. I'm proud of him and I'm proud of myself.

      A celebration of hope and smiles.

      A peaceful long weekend to you.

      Gary :)

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  15. I smile for your son and for you. Thank you for sharing your joy with us. Thank you for being there. No doubt Tristan is a very special awesome man, who in spite of difficulties would not give up his dream but fight harder for it. I am sure the best he has in him comes from you. Here's to your son's smile and may this be the first of many more!

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    1. Hi Al,

      I smile knowing that you smile for my son and I. The joy shared is a virtual party of positive thoughts to you and all. I have been heartened by his resolve. Despite so much negativity conspiring, he has picked himself up and his determination and my support will see him continue onwards. Here's to smiles for all of us. Be well, good friend.

      Gary :)

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  16. What wonderful news. Your love for your son can match that of the most loving mom there can be on the face of this earth. Your love shines through your post. The feeling of happiness that can be felt through your writing tells us how happy you are that Tristan smiled.

    I wish him many more successes in life - - - Amen.

    Also getting your BP to be normal is a reward in itself. Surely, keeping an eye on our health have long term benefits.

    Take care of yourself too as you want to be able to enjoy many more smiles and then share them with us.

    My husband and my kids are wishing Tristan all the best in life !

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    1. Hi Munir,

      Thank you, dear lady. The love for my son and my encouragement, is limitless. I have been waiting for many a year to see that smile return. I always believed.

      To see his total commitment to his health has been a marvel to behold. I must admit that my own health deteriorated during the more challenging of moments. I'm looking after myself better now. I even did some gardening.

      Your families' best wishes for Tristan are gratefully received. Thank you. A peaceful long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  17. I am so absolutely thrilled for both of you! Yay. I have to say this... I knew Tristan would find a job. This is only the beginning, Gary! Hallelujah!

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      Thank you so very much, Joylene. We both knew that he would get some steady work in the interim. And now things bode well for his ongoing pursuit of joining the Navy. Clear sailing ahead, me thinks.

      A happy Sunday to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  18. That is fantastic news, Gary. I can see how all the months of uncertainty must have taken a toll, but to come out of it with such a positive result - I'm speechless and very happy for both of you.

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    1. Hi Ian,

      Thanks, Ian. It has been over six years of uncertainty and wondering when things would finally turn around. I visualised a positive outcome and the next step is filled with hope for an even better future.

      A good Sunday to you and your loved ones on the Island.

      Gary :)

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  19. Congrats to you and your Son. Your joy shines through your post. :)

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    1. Hi BZ Dogs,

      Thank you for the congrats for the both of us. I have waited so long to sense such joy.

      Happy Sunday to you.

      Gary :)

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  20. Congrats to your son, and to his ever faithful, supportive, loving and encouraging Dad. You rock, my dear, dear friend. Best wishes to Tristan as he pursues his future.
    Tina @ Life is Good

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    1. Hi Tina,

      Your congrats are warmly welcomed, dear lady. Despite my illness and to some degree, because of my illness, I have been acutely in tune to my son's pain. Thank you for the best wishes for Tristan's future.

      A peaceful long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  21. Hooray and congratulations! What wonderful news!!!!
    Now sleep , all is well.
    Laura
    x

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    1. Hi Laura,

      Thank you for the hoorays and congratulations.
      Ah yes, some actual sleep :) Thank you, Laura.

      A happy long weekend to you.

      Gary
      x

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  22. Such a beautiful outcome for a long and terrible journey! You should be so proud of your influence, your love and care, your belief kept him filled with hope, pushed him to achieve where he thought he'd fail! Wonderful, both of you! You give me hope too!

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    1. Hi Yolanda,

      Oh it has been a beautiful outcome from times of negativity that seemed relentless. No matter how bad it got, I've always tried my best to support him, tell him it's not his fault. I believe that keeping my home a safe, pressure-free environment has paid remarkable dividends. I thank you kindly and if you sense hope from this than my posting has achieved a most positive outcome.

      A peaceful long weekend to you, Yolanda.

      Gary :)

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  23. You know how much I love a smile, inlcuding the ones that bring a tear to my eye... sounds like he has inherited your determination gene. Congratulations Gary, a smile is all you wanted, and for for your son, I hope he finds millions more reasons to smile.

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    1. Hi Ida,

      A smile with the magic it brings. Tears of joy, of relief. I found determination at the point in my life where I had two choices left. One to give into my negative forces or defy them. My peaceful defiance has seen me through and thus, my son's refusal to allow negativity defeat him is truly a wondrous event. Thank you, Ida. Millions of smiles, your way.

      Happy Sunday.

      Gary :)

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  24. Hi Gary ... certainly you have been through much, are going through much - but the palpable relief for you both in finding that the results are 'normal' is just great to read about. I now hope that Navy life will become a reality .. and that once there Tristan can shine and utilise those civil engineering skills.

    He made a wise decision to exercise and improve his diet - both will help his way in to Navy life .. I'm so pleased he's so determined and so positive to achieve.

    I can read in here your struggles - you have a wonderful descriptive way of writing ... and I'm sure that once your son has settled in with his new work ... your abilities as a creative writer will shine out too ...

    Definitely my thoughts are with you .. lots to smile about this weekend .. enjoy the time together - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      Your kind and thoughtful words resonate with amazing reflection of the ideals of my posting. Yes, the relief that he has the all-clear and can continue on with his pursuit of joining the Navy has brought a great sense of relief. It has been so frustrating for him to have not been able to utilise his civil engineering skills.

      I was pleasantly surprised at his determination to set things right and take no chances. He even stopped drinking pop and eating pizza!

      Your intuitive nature is profound, Hilary. My writing has been fragmented over the last few years. Suddenly having to stop just to tend to another crisis, really has taken its toll. So to say that my writing is descriptive under these circumstances, is most inspiring of you to say. Thank you for that.

      Let's all smile and enjoy the sunshine over this Spring Bank holiday weekend in this green and pleasant land. I'm most grateful to you.

      Gary :)

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  25. Fantastic news Gary! I am so happy for you and, of course your son! He has a future to look forward to now, thanks to the loving, caring support from you, his father. He is a lucky lad to have someone so caring and thoughtful, not many of us are blessed in such ways!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. Hi John,

      Thank you, dear friend. Tristan's future is going to be a time of optimism. Perhaps my own determination to realise the very best for my son has been enhanced because my dad has disowned me and I don't even know if he's alive. Very sad, but hey, we stay strong.

      Wishing you a peaceful long weekend, John.

      Gary

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  26. Gary, that is wonderful!! I hope everything else falls in place for Tristan.

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    1. Hi Diane,

      Thank you, Diane. I visualise even better times ahead for Tristan.

      A peaceful long weekend to you.

      Gary :)

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  27. Gary this was the most touching post of yours that I've ever read. What wonderful news for Tristan! I'm so happy that his smile returned. The fact that this made him smile so much leads me to believe that he is meant to pursue this opportunity. Maybe it's his calling!! This is wonderful news.

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    1. Hi Keith,

      Thank you, Keith. It has been quite the wait in finally doing this posting. A posting that I knew would happen. The smile I saw, had dreamt about, transported me back to the little three year old boy in the photo. He is firmly committed to pursuing his Navy career. No matter what, he will be fine for I shall continue to support and encourage.

      A peaceful long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  28. So pleased for you and your son. Many congratulations, I hope this is the start of a new chapter for you both.

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      I thank you, dear lady. I firmly believe that happier chapters will now be a part of our lives.

      A happy long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  29. All we want for our children is for them to be happy and fulfilled.

    Your post put tears in my eyes because as a parent, I know how we suffer along with our children when life becomes difficult for them. I am so happy for you and Tristan now that he has something to look forward to and the world is a brighter place for him.

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      Amen to that, dear lady.

      The pain they have, becomes our pain. It has been times of desperation, of sheer panic and yet, we believe in our children. We let them know we are there for them and try to help them make it all okay. I am grateful for your happy thoughts, Arleen.

      Your comment echoes with sweet sincerity. Thank you.

      Gary

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  30. It sounds to me that he got something very important from his father: TENACITY in the face of disappointment. It might be the best thing in his life (looking back) that his mom went her own way. To be loved as he is, is rare and his smile was your payoff.

    Enough of this. I'm going back to my bunker.

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    1. Hi lotta joy,

      Well said, my dear friend. Tenacity is the perfect word. What ever gets flung our way, we challenge the crap and it will never sabotage our lives. One aspect of his mum being very much in the background, not relating to my concerns about our son, has made me even more determined to prove I can be of support to Tristan even without his mother's input. Oh yes, the return of the smile is a magical reward.

      A peaceful long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary

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  31. That is lovely news, Gary - I am so happy for you both :-) x

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    1. Hi Teresa,

      Thank you for that, dear Teresa. Most appreciative and may your long weekend be sunny and happy.

      Gary :)x

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  32. Congratulations, I hope his plans all work out, life is a fickle game. It is good when folk are happy . . . . . . . Sounds like a good reason for a blogfest . . . . . .HAH HAHAH HAHH AH HAH HAh hahh ah ha hah ah ha hhah hah hahh ahahh ha ha.

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    1. Hi Rob,

      Thank you, good friend, for the congratulations. I know you probably wont believe this, but stored in draft is a blogfest about not having a blogfest. So when you mentioned the same thought, I thought I'd better leave it for now. Anyway, always a good reason to have a blogfest, or blog hop, or blog party or whatever. What the heck am I saying!

      Behave and enjoy the rest of the long weekend. Enjoy the sunshine!

      Gary :)

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  33. Gary, Tristan's news is awesome....congrats to him!! I hope he gets in and has a great career in the Navy.

    A great and touching post...I hope your son knows just how lucky he is in having a dad such as yourself.

    Take care, my friend!

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    1. Hi Mark,

      It really is awesome news and thank you, good sir. It should be um clear sailing from here :)

      You are most kind and I'm sure he appreciates all I do. Just that smile was reward enough.

      Be well, Mark and have a peaceful rest of the long weekend.

      Gary :)

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  34. Wow. That is so touching. You're a wonderful dad. Diseases are tough to overcome, be they in the body or the mind. My own family does a constant battle with depression. I fortunately was spared, but I know enough about it to know it's toll can be great. And even harder to manage when people erroneously think it can just be shaken off. You've guided Tristan well.

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    1. Hi Elizabeth,

      Very nice of you to say, Elizabeth. Depression, whether it be from genetics, environment, or a combination of both, can be so debilitating. As you have observed from your own families' battle with depression, it can really have an impact. And the ripple effect it can cause. Your understanding is admirable, Elizabeth. The stigma attached to mental health concerns is something we are trying to eradicate through education and awareness. Thank you for this.

      A lovely rest of the long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary

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  35. It is awesome to see our children succeed in their dreams. A smile is a satisfactory reward; I've seen it in my own children and marveled at it.

    ......dhole

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    1. Hi Donna,

      And to celebrate the dreams of our children becoming a wondrous reality. So true. The smile is a satisfying reward. I can tell how proud you are of your children, dear lady.

      A peaceful rest of the weekend to you and your family.

      Gary :)

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  36. This is wonderful news Gary. I know you have been very worried about him..... I am very happy for both of you.

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    1. Hi Terry,

      Thank you and it's something I've dreamt about. My life has been a constant worry for several years. My relief is profound. Your thoughts are warmly accepted.

      A lovely rest of the long weekend, your way.

      Gary :)

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  37. What a beautiful post, I can honestly say that it has brought tears to my eyes. You are a wonderful supportive father, it shines out from you like the boldest sunlight and I'm so happy that Tristan's smile has returned. x

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    1. Hi Michelle,

      I'm heartened you thought this was a beautiful post. I have, in the face of adversity and the battle of my own illness, continued to give my son all the love and support I could. To see that smile light up his face after so many years of darkness, has brought me tears of joy and renewed hope.

      Thank you, Michelle.

      A lovely, sunny long weekend to you and your family.

      Gary x

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  38. Congratulations to both of you. I know how painful it is to see a child so sad and in mental torture.

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    1. Hi Linda,

      We thank you for the congratulations, Linda. The pain can be so raw, so brutal. Seeing our children in mental anguish is heart breaking. And seeing our children move through such times, is magic.

      Gary

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  39. "A smile that transported me back to yesteryear and the little boy in the photo." God bless you both!

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    1. Hi Susan,

      Dear lady, God bless you for your kindness. May you and your loved ones have a most peaceful long weekend.

      Gary

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  40. Soooooooooooo incredibly happy for you!!!!!!!!! A Navy man!!! I can feel your pride through the computer!

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    1. Hi Caren,

      Thank you so very much, dear friend. Yes indeed, he wants to apply his skills on a submarine. I can sense your sensing my pride through my computer :)

      A peaceful long weekend to you and your loved ones and hello to Cody from Penny.

      Gary :)

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  41. What brilliant news Gary. There's nothing sweeter than seeing a genuine smile on your child's face. And congratulations of your son getting a job even if it's not what he wants to do right now, at least he is doing something, with a little cash to splash.

    I truly hope that everything goes well with the Navy process, and all his dreams come true. I'm also chuffed for you too, because it takes away a sad burden of watching what was son was going through. I'm sincerely so happy for both of you today after reading this :)

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    1. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk,

      Thank you, good friend. It sure is sweet to see that beaming smile return. Indeed, the full-time job he got has meant he can have some independence and um spend some money on me! :)

      I appreciate your kind thoughts in regards to him continuing on with the process of getting into the Navy. It has been a very tough time for both of us and I'm very chuffed at what has transpired. Thank you for your happy thoughts.

      A peaceful rest of the long weekend to you.

      Gary :)

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  42. wonderful on so many levels! thanks for sharing this. perfect for memorial day weekend too!

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    1. Hi Tara,

      It most certainly is wonderful on so many levels. It's a delight to share some positive, inspirational news. May your Memorial Day weekend be one of peace and contentment.

      Gary :)

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  43. There is a beautiful lesson in this story Gary. Whatever misfortune life brings, however low we get and however bleak things seem to be......there is always a reason to keep going and always light at the end of the tunnel. I feel uplifted!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi bazza,

      Thank you, kind friend. There is most assuredly a lesson of never giving up and visualising the better times I firmly believed would come to fruition. I'm so glad this made you feel uplifted.

      Wishing you and your loved ones, a most peaceful rest of our long weekend.

      Gary

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  44. What a cruel man you are to make us all weep in front of our computer screens. We weep -- some of us into our beers (not me, of course) -- at your brilliant writing and at the fact that there are not just one but two smiles at your end.

    We weep for joy.

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    1. Hi rhymeswithplague,

      Ah yes, cruelty in the kindness of ways :) Your words are very touching and I'm deeply flattered that you consider my writing to be emotive. This house is full of smiles. May the smiles transcend beyond my screen and bring you smiles as you weep for joy. I shall raise a glass of cranberry juice in your honour.

      A peaceful rest of the weekend to you, my friend.

      Gary

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  45. This is fabulous news. I could not be more happy for you, Gary, and your son. He persisted and found his direction. It looked like there might be something holding him back, so he attacked it head on and made a positive change. He took the steps he needed to take to make the difference. I love that!!! When you want something, never let anything hold you back! ::big smile::

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Robin,

      Thank you, dear friend. I was truly in awe of the dedication to positive change my son was determined to realise. He has direction and for a young man who has had so many knock backs, it's even more remarkable. I'm very proud of him. It really is a lesson in pursuing our dreams, no matter what they are. A big smile to you, Robin.

      In peace and kind wishes, your way,

      Gary :)

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  46. What wonderful news! I wish your son all the best in his endeavours. That 24 hour monitoring is always harsh - it's sure to give you high blood pressure just knowing your strapped to it! I hope that his smile never fades again :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Annalisa,

      Thank you, Annalisa. Your kind wishes for my son's endeavours are warmly welcomed. That 24 hour monitoring machine was kind of annoying. It made a beeping sound every thirty minutes. Thankfully, it revealed, as I'd suspected, that all was fine.

      I'm sure that his smile will be happening more often :)

      A lovely rest of our British long weekend to you and your loved ones.

      Gary :)

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  47. Replies
    1. Hi John Gray,

      You would be so correct. My pride is immeasurable :)

      Wishing you, your loved and your farm critters, a peaceful rest of the long weekend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  48. I'm inserting this comment on behalf of "writerlysam". Unfortunately her comment did not show up and thus, I've copied it from the email.

    "Congratulations to Tristan in accomplishing what he sought, through admirable perseverance! May his Navy career be fulfilling and rewarding, and may his smile stay for a long while:)"

    Samantha's wonderfully articulate blog can be found here :

    http://writerlysam.wordpress.com/

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    Replies
    1. Hi Samantha,

      We thank you for the congratulations for Tristan. His perseverance has been an ongoing inspiration to me. I've no doubt that him hopefully getting into the Navy will be an excellent career move. Thank you, Samantha.

      Smiles your way,

      Gary :)

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  49. I read a bit of this on FB, but it's taken me a while to find the time to visit for the whole story -- and I'm SO GLAD I DID! Times are hard on all of us, and I find this such an uplifting story. It's wonderful to work hard for something and finally see the work is paying off. I certainly hope your son achieves his ambition of getting in the Navy and achieves all the other ambitions and dreams he has in the future. Please keep us updated, Gary. Good luck Tristan! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lexa,

      I appreciate you visiting and reading the full story. I'm glad you did :) In these tough times of austerity, to see my son refuse to give up is a story of the human spirit at its finest. We now wait for the next phase in his achieving his goal of joining the Navy and using his skills. I would be honoured to post up further updates. Thank you, Lexa.

      Happy wishes, your way,

      Gary :)

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  50. Your writing and actions are guided by such a pure heart, Gary. I'm tearful - in a very sweet way - for you and Tristan.

    Thank you for your love and support as of late. I hope to return it in regular doses. You're a wonderful man.

    xoRobyn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robyn,

      You are most kind, dear lady. I do my best to live life with the aim of being there for others. I know that when we help each other, we help ourselves. I always believed in the day that the smile of a little boy would be there as a smile on my young man :)

      You know, like so many others, our love, care and concern for you is a reflection of the true warmth of humanity. The main thing is that you recuperate and be gentle with yourself.

      Thank you, Robyn.

      Gary :)x

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  51. wowwwww extraordinary newssssssssssssssss, I am so happy for you and for Tristan. It's a double joy, first that he is perfectly healthy and secondly that he can join the Navy....You have been an amazing father Gary, how I wish my father was 10% as attentive and caring as you :(. Tristan good luck conquering the world...:). Loveeeee

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    Replies
    1. Hi Petronela,

      Extraordinary news, indeed, indeed! :) Thank you for your happy thoughts for the both of us. A healthy young man with a healthy attitude that should hopefully see him into the Navy. My own father was about as attentive and caring as yours. I think such sadness makes us more determined.

      Hugs,

      Gary :)

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  52. How wonderful! Congratulations to you son!!!

    And how proud you must be of him, to be so determined and hard working that he removed all obstacles. Well done to him and well done to you that you raised such a son.

    Jai

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jai,

      Thank you for the congratulations to my son.

      I'm very proud of him and especially under circumstances that could of easily made him feel like giving up. I'm deeply grateful for you comment and lovely to see you, Jai.

      Gary :)

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  53. I'm so glad things are finally working out for your son, and for you.

    That's awesome that the stress of all of that wasn't enough to keep his blood pressure high. His regime must have been really good. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Danielle,

      Thank you very much and things are working out well for the both of us.

      His health regime was most remarkable. It had demonstrated his determination to move on with his life and not let any obstacle impede his path.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  54. So happy for the both of u...hmmm. I think I'll post about it...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tammy,

      Lovely and smiling always Tammy :) I very much appreciate your kind words. I doubly appreciate your mention on your latest posting. I shall share your posting. Yes, even on 'Farcebook'!

      Thank you, Tammy. You are adorable.

      Gary :)

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  55. Well done your son, well done you. ((Hugs))

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    Replies
    1. Hi The Wicked Writer,

      We thank you so very much. And ((Hugs)) your way.

      Gary :)

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  56. A happy enthusiastic smile after so many years....it's like the ray of sunshine breaking through a month long rain. A treasure indeed. I hope you see many more of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi River,

      So many years of tears and sadness. Of wondering what else would sabotage his right to a happy life. The sunshine returned after several years of rain. We thank you for your happy wishes.

      In kindness and smiles, your way,

      Gary :)

      Delete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.